5 Common Myths About Dementia, How Many Are You Wrongly Believing?

Written by Nguyenjessica

Published on January 13 , 2025

Dementia isn’t limited to older adults; younger onset dementia affects those under 65, posing unique challenges. While memory loss is commonly associated with dementia, early signs also include confusion, mood changes, and difficulty with tasks. A family history increases the risk but is not decisive, as healthy lifestyles can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing dementia. It is not an inevitable part of aging, and early-stage patients often live independently with the right support. Awareness, early diagnosis, and proactive measures are essential for improving quality of life.

Key Points

1. Dementia affects younger people too: Younger onset dementia occurs in individuals under 65, with unique challenges like balancing work and family.

2. Memory loss isn’t always the first sign: Early symptoms include confusion, language difficulties, mood changes, and trouble completing tasks.

3. Family history increases risk but doesn’t guarantee dementia: Genetics play a role, but lifestyle factors significantly influence overall risk.

4. Dementia is not inevitable with aging: Healthy habits like exercise, a balanced diet, and cognitive activities can lower the risk.

5. Early-stage patients can live independently: With proper support, many individuals maintain autonomy in the initial stages.

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Table of content

Does Dementia Only Affect the Elderly?

Is Memory Loss the First Sign of Dementia?

Does Dementia Run in Families?

Can People with Dementia Live Independently?

Is Dementia a Normal Part of Aging?

Can People with Dementia Understand and Communicate?

Is There a Link Between Aluminum and Dementia?

Do Brain Games Prevent or Cure Dementia?

Does Dementia Only Affect the Elderly?

Dementia is often seen as a condition that affects older adults, but it can also impact younger people. When it occurs in individuals under 65, it's referred to as younger onset dementia. This lesser-known form of dementia deserves more attention due to its unique challenges and characteristics.

In the UK, about 7.5% of people living with dementia fall into this category, which translates to roughly 70,800 individuals. Globally, research suggests that for those aged 30 to 64, the prevalence is around 119 cases per 100,000 people. Though the numbers may seem small, the impact on affected individuals and their families is profound.

When it comes to types of dementia in younger people, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common, making up about a third of the cases. Vascular dementia accounts for around 20%, while frontotemporal dementia (FTD) affects about 12%, particularly in those aged 45 to 65. Other less common types include conditions like Korsakoff’s syndrome, often linked to alcohol abuse, and Lewy body dementia.

Younger individuals with dementia tend to face different and often more complex challenges than older adults. Many are still employed, raising children, or managing other family responsibilities. This can make the condition particularly disruptive. Symptoms may also manifest differently; for example, younger patients often experience movement or coordination issues before significant memory loss.

While dementia is typically associated with aging, younger onset dementia highlights the importance of awareness and early diagnosis. By recognizing the signs early, individuals and their families can access the support and care needed to navigate this difficult journey more effectively. Understanding and addressing this condition is key to improving the quality of life for those affected.

Is Memory Loss the First Sign of Dementia?

Memory loss is often the first thing people associate with dementia, but it’s not always the first sign. In fact, there are several other early symptoms that can appear before noticeable memory issues. Recognizing these signs can help with early diagnosis and management.

One common early symptom is subtle short-term memory changes. People might forget recent events, misplace items, or struggle to recall new information, even though older memories remain intact. Another early clue could be difficulty finding words, where individuals struggle to express themselves or find the right words during conversations.

Confusion and disorientation can also surface early, with individuals losing track of time, forgetting familiar places, or feeling lost in places they know well. Alongside these, mood and personality changes are noticeable. Someone might experience mood swings, increased anxiety, or apathy, withdrawing from activities they once loved.

Everyday tasks can become challenging, such as following a recipe or managing finances, which reflects difficulty completing familiar tasks. Another sign is reduced concentration, making it hard to follow conversations, focus on tasks, or even keep up with storylines.

Apathy and withdrawal are also common. Someone may lose interest in hobbies or socializing, which could be mistaken for normal aging. Repetition—like repeating stories, questions, or tasks—might signal struggles with memory retention. Additionally, poor judgment can emerge, affecting decisions about finances or social interactions.

Finally, visual-spatial difficulties may develop, such as trouble judging distances or recognizing landmarks, which can be particularly common in certain types of dementia.

While memory loss is a well-known symptom, these other cognitive and behavioral changes often appear earlier and shouldn’t be ignored. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough assessment. Early recognition is key to managing dementia effectively.

Elderly man sitting on the edge of a rock reading a newspaper

Does Dementia Run in Families?

The idea that dementia runs in families is partly true. Having a family history of dementia can raise your risk, but it doesn’t mean you’re destined to develop the condition just because a parent or sibling had it. Let’s dive into how family history and other factors influence dementia risk.

If you have a first-degree relative—like a parent or sibling—with Alzheimer’s, your risk is about 30% higher compared to someone without a family history. For example, if the baseline risk at age 65 is 2%, this might increase to around 2.6%. The risk grows even more if multiple close relatives are affected, nearly quadrupling in some cases. On average, the lifetime risk of developing dementia is about 10–12%, but for those with a family history, it can rise to 15–25%.

Genetics also play a significant role. A specific gene, known as APOE-e4, can dramatically impact Alzheimer’s risk. Having one copy of this gene variant triples your risk, while two copies can increase it up to twelvefold. However, genetics aren’t the full story. Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, smoking, and overall health are equally important and can influence your chances of developing dementia, regardless of your genetic makeup.

Shared environmental influences within families, such as similar lifestyles or habits, also contribute to the risk. This makes it challenging to separate genetic factors from environmental ones when assessing the likelihood of developing dementia.

It’s important to remember that while a family history might increase your risk, it doesn’t seal your fate. Many people with a family history never develop dementia, and adopting healthy lifestyle changes can help lower the risk. Understanding both genetic and environmental factors is key to creating a proactive approach toward prevention and overall brain health. Your choices can make a difference.

Can People with Dementia Live Independently?

It’s a common misconception that people with dementia cannot live independently and must move to a care facility as soon as they’re diagnosed. While dementia does affect cognitive abilities, many individuals in the early stages can continue living independently with the right support and adjustments.

In the early stages, people with dementia often retain enough cognitive and physical ability to manage many aspects of daily life. They might need help with reminders or handling complex tasks like managing finances, but they can often live safely at home with some modifications, such as setting up routines, using memory aids, or having someone check in regularly.

Moving to a care facility is typically a decision made later, as the condition progresses and the individual’s needs become more complex. For some, this may never be necessary, especially if they have strong support systems in place, such as family caregivers or community resources. Living independently for as long as possible is not only achievable but can also contribute to maintaining a sense of dignity and purpose.

That said, every person’s journey with dementia is unique. The timing and extent of care needed depend on the type of dementia, the progression of symptoms, and the individual’s overall health and circumstances. It’s crucial to assess their needs regularly and involve them in decisions about their care whenever possible.

Ultimately, a dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean immediate loss of independence. With planning, support, and understanding, many people can continue to live fulfilling lives in familiar environments for quite some time.

Is Dementia a Normal Part of Aging?

The belief that dementia is just a normal part of aging and can't be prevented or slowed down is a myth. While it’s true that the risk of dementia increases as we age, dementia is caused by specific diseases, like Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, and not by the natural aging process itself.

Aging can bring about some mild cognitive changes, like occasionally forgetting where you put your keys, but dementia involves significant and progressive damage to brain cells, which goes beyond normal forgetfulness. It’s not an inevitable part of growing older—many people live into their 80s or 90s without developing dementia.

As for prevention, while there’s no guaranteed way to avoid dementia, research shows that taking care of your brain and body can significantly lower your risk or slow its progression. Lifestyle choices like regular exercise, a balanced diet (like the Mediterranean diet), staying mentally and socially active, controlling blood pressure, and not smoking can all play a role in protecting brain health.

Additionally, advances in research have shown that early detection and proper management of conditions like diabetes, hearing loss, or depression, as well as staying engaged in lifelong learning, can also help reduce the risk. Even for those diagnosed with dementia, interventions like cognitive therapies, medications, or lifestyle changes can sometimes slow its progression and improve quality of life.

So, while aging is inevitable, dementia is not. By being proactive about brain health, staying informed, and making healthy choices, you can take steps to reduce your risk and improve outcomes. Dementia is not a guaranteed part of growing older, and there’s much you can do to make a difference.

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Can People with Dementia Understand and Communicate?

The idea that people with dementia are completely unable to understand their surroundings or communicate is not entirely true. Dementia does affect cognitive functions, but the extent varies greatly from person to person, and many individuals retain meaningful levels of awareness and communication abilities, particularly in the earlier stages.

Dementia impacts how the brain processes sensory information, which can sometimes lead to confusion, hallucinations, or misunderstandings. However, this doesn’t mean that all individuals with dementia are unaware of their surroundings. Many still experience moments of clarity and can engage meaningfully, even if they struggle at other times. Their ability to understand may also exceed what they can verbally express.

Communication challenges are common, as dementia can make it harder to find words, form sentences, or follow conversations. Despite this, many individuals can still grasp emotional tones, non-verbal cues, and the context of interactions. As the condition progresses, speaking becomes more difficult, but early on, communication often remains possible with some adjustments.

To improve communication, simplifying language and speaking slowly can make a big difference. Asking yes-or-no questions or using visual aids can also help. Non-verbal communication—like facial expressions, gestures, and physical touch—can be incredibly effective in conveying feelings and offering reassurance. Additionally, creating a calm, distraction-free environment allows individuals with dementia to focus better on interactions.

While dementia does impair understanding and speech, it doesn’t eliminate a person’s ability to connect with others. Caregivers can foster meaningful communication by adapting their approach and being patient. Even as verbal abilities decline, emotional and non-verbal connections remain powerful tools for interaction.

Is There a Link Between Aluminum and Dementia?

The idea that aluminum exposure might lead to dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease, has been debated for decades, but current scientific evidence largely does not support this concern.

The connection first emerged in the 1960s when studies suggested that high levels of aluminum could cause brain changes in animals similar to those seen in Alzheimer’s. However, follow-up research has not confirmed that everyday aluminum exposure—like from cookware or deodorants—poses a significant risk to humans. While post-mortem studies have found elevated aluminum levels in the brains of some people with Alzheimer’s, it’s unclear whether this is a cause or simply a consequence of the disease.

In fact, most large-scale studies have failed to find strong evidence linking aluminum to Alzheimer’s. Organizations like the Alzheimer Society of Canada emphasize that aluminum from everyday sources makes up only a small percentage of overall exposure and is not considered a meaningful risk factor. Instead, established risks include age, genetics, lifestyle habits, and medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, which play a much larger role in dementia development.

Although some researchers continue to explore the aluminum hypothesis, findings remain inconsistent. For now, the scientific consensus is that aluminum exposure from cookware or other common sources does not significantly contribute to Alzheimer’s. Focusing on proven risk factors, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and managing chronic conditions, is far more effective for reducing dementia risks.

Do Brain Games Prevent or Cure Dementia?

The connection between brain exercises, like cognitive training and brain games, and dementia prevention is an area of active research. While these exercises show promise, particularly for those at risk of cognitive decline, their benefits have limitations.

Evidence suggests that brain training can help individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that often precedes dementia. For example, studies from the University of Sydney found that computer-based cognitive training improved memory, thinking skills, and even mood in older adults with MCI. Similarly, a program focused on "speed of processing" demonstrated a significant reduction in dementia risk—by about 29%—for participants, with benefits lasting up to ten years.

Meta-analyses also support the idea that cognitive exercises can enhance memory and attention in older adults. These activities often challenge specific brain functions, keeping them sharper and more engaged. However, the effectiveness of such exercises can vary depending on the type of training, how often it's done, and individual differences.

It’s important to note that cognitive training is not a cure for dementia. While it may delay or reduce the risk of cognitive decline in those with MCI, it doesn’t reverse symptoms once dementia is present. Additionally, results can differ from person to person, and brain games alone are unlikely to provide significant benefits without a broader approach.

Beyond brain exercises, physical activity plays a key role in maintaining cognitive health. Regular aerobic exercise promotes brain plasticity, improves blood flow, and reduces risk factors like high blood pressure—all of which support brain health and may complement cognitive training efforts.

In short, cognitive exercises and brain games can be a helpful tool for preserving brain function, especially in those at risk of dementia. However, combining these with regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle offers the best strategy for protecting cognition as we age. A holistic approach is key to maximizing brain health.

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